This Week’s Miscellany: Vol. 73

Whew! It’s been a busy week over at Carrots. I can’t remember the last time I posted NINE days in a row! The book had been taking up so much of my mental space and it’s thrilling to start catching up on all the post ideas I’ve had brewing in my head during those weeks when we had to get the book finished. Speaking of the book…

Eek! Last night (it’s Thursday as I type this) we were surprised by a UPS delivery just before we headed to bed…OUR BOOK! IN PRINT! It was estimated to arrive December 10th so we were thrilled it got here so quickly (and it bodes well for all of you that requested a print version to give as Christmas presents. It ships quickly!). And I was relieved to see it in the flesh and confirm that all the pages were in order and the images weren’t pixelated and we spelled our names right and, and, and…. So, yes. It’s all as it should be. And if you’re searching for a Christmas gift for your grandma, or your brother, or your aunt, or your daughter-in-law that will make them hungry for delicious food and excited about the Christian Year….*wink wink*….Feast! Ahem.

But seriously, Daniel and I are so grateful to each and every one of you who purchased the book. We’ve sold almost 400 copies already. It’s been thrilling and encouraging and wonderful. And some of you have even shared your images of your Feast of St. Andrew celebrations with us and Daniel and I just can’t get over how awesome it is to share the liturgical year with you. (p.s. if you’re on Instagram and use the hashtag #feastbook and tag me, @haleycarrots, we will squeal with glee to see your pictures of your feasts.)

Coming Up in the Liturgical Year: Well, we’re really in Advent now! Who’s impressed with my purple and pink Advent bling that I needed lots of help from a crafty friend to create? I would like a very crafty best friend/next door neighbor for Christmas, please, because more complicated than cutting out felt circles is beyond me. I am really excited about Advent Unplugged. I’ll share more in my Week 2 update, but I will probably never add the FB app back to my iPhone. I’m on my phone WAY less because….there’s not much to do there. And I’ve been having a lot more fun with my kids because I’m not distracting myself needlessly with the FB app. Thanks everyone who has been linking up! I can’t wait to sit down this weekend and read all of your posts! And today is the Feast of St. Nicholas! Lots of great posts floating around, but this one by Tsh at The Art of Simple was really informative and fun.

On the Homestead: Y’all we have so many greens! It’s great. We’re sneaking them into every meal. These baby collards were so good added to one of our favorite slow cooker recipes from Stephanie of Mama and Baby Love’s eCookbook (if you want a resource for easy, healthy, yummy meals, I highly recommend it.) And Daniel made Kale Chips last night in the oven and OH MY. The kids couldn’t get enough. Which is grand, because lately they’ve been opposed to anything remotely green.

But one of our chickens is under the weather! Daniel’s not sure if she was grabbed by a raccoon and injured or if she’s sick, so she’s been separated from the flock for a couple of days. Hopefully she’ll get better soon!

And Daniel bottled the mead he’s been making, so……hurrah! (Mead always makes me want to bust out my Seamus Heaney translation of Beowulf…maybe it’s just me?)

Book Love: And did you hear that Nicole of Gidget Goes Home had the best idea ever and is organizing a giant online discussion group for all six Jane Austen novels?! The topic is Jane Austen and Motherhood. I’ll be one of the moderators and I couldn’t be more excited to have a fantastic excuse to delve back into some of my all-time favorite novels. Join us! Speaking of books, I’ve started thinking about my 2014 Reading List and what it will include (in addition to the six Austen books.) Start considering what will be making an appearance on your reading list for next year and if there’s enough interest, we could do a link up at the end of December! Considering the morning sickness, and the new baby, and writing a book, I really haven’t done too shabby in completing my 2013 list. There’s no way I’ll finish everything, but I read a LOT considering how busy things have been.

(Is anything better than a cardboard box? “I’m a tiger in a cave!“

The Quotable Lucy (age 2): 

Lucy’s version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar:
“Da Hungwy Hungwy Caterpillar, by Thomasville (a local town)
A widdle egg way on a weaf. A one apple! Two pears! Two borganics (organic?), two strawbewwies, two watermelons! Then caterpillar walked on a weaf. Then, all wrapped up! Then a BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFWY!”

The Quotable Benjamin (age 4):

At the park, introducing himself to a new friend: “I’m Benjamin and I’m 4. This is Lucy and she’s 2. And this is Marmee (his grandmother, my mom) and she’s 61.“

The Quotable Gwen (age 6 months):

“I’m just totally adorable.”

Links:

Did you hear Dwija’s news?!

A Relaxed but Intentional Advent; Or, The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Advent: fountains of home

Defiant Gratitude: Catholic Mom (by Abbey Dupuy)

Sponsors:

I have some sponsor ad slots opening in January. To find out more, please visit my advertising page or email me (haley.s.stewart@gmail.com). Here’s what Carrots sponsors have said about working with me:

“Over the last two years, I’ve advertised on several blogs and my experience advertising with Haley was by far the best I’ve had.  She is very sweet, easy to work with, and truly appreciates her sponsors.  And this is the first time that I have proof the advertising is working – after each time she’s mentioned my business on her blog, I’ve immediately gotten orders from new customers who were eager to mention that they were Carrots for Michaelmas readers.”

– Mandi Richards, Lilla Rose

“I am beyond pleased.  You didn’t just run an ad on your page, you continued to share and encouraged your readers to show some love, and they did!”

-Susan Short, Toadily Handmade Beeswax Candles

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! We’re going Saturday to cut down our Christmas tree. Do you have your tree up yet?

Love,

Haley

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P.S. Want to help me keep the lights on at Carrots AND do your Christmas shopping at Amazon in one fell swoop? You can use my affiliate link to click over to Amazon and I will receive a small percentage of any purchases you make (at no additional cost to you, of course!). Thank you to everyone who has been using my link to do their shopping! I’m so grateful!

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